Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Kale & Broccoli Quinoa

Heya! I hope you guys all had a wonderful weekend :) Matt and I had an extended weekend because of a Canadian holiday. Its called family day... is it just me or does family day make you think of the day after Christmas? I don't know, maybe it is just me, but either way, Ill take the extra day off!!

The hubs and I were talking this weekend about how when you are in school, all you want to do is be out of school and just working, that way when holidays come, you don't have any homework to do. You can just relax and do nothing.

I wish that was the truth haha! Instead, we spent our holiday weekend cleaning our place, working (well me anyway), getting stuff done around here that is way past due (like hanging a giant mirror), and other un-fun grown up stuff.

But we did get to do some other things that was relaxing as well. We took our photo walk, and I took some funpictures, and Matt took a video of the walk and edited it together. I posted it on my facebook page for people to check out. It was a lot of fun to explore a little bit, and even better that yesterday was a sunny day. Those are rare around here.

I also made this Quinoa this weekend. I have to say, I have the best, and most patient and willing husband around. (I'm sure most food bloggers can say the same about their men too). When we met, it would be impossible to get Matt to eat anything green. Seriously, he would rather eat a burger plain with only salt and pepper (no condiments, and definitely no veggies), and now, he will eat a vegetarian meal and not only not complain about it, but actually rave about how amazing it is. So thank you honey for being a perfect food blogger's taste tester.

Matt and I have been trying to incorporate a little more healthy in our diets. Definitely not all the time, and most certainly not every meal, but here and there we are. And this Quinoa recipe was right on the money with that.

For the past few weeks I have been thinking that I saw a certain Kale and Quinoa recipe online and I wanted to recreate it. But when I went to look for it yesterday, it was no-where to be found. I was determined to make it though, so I set out to make my own.

I only used one small head of broccoli in here, because it was all I had, but I'm going to write in the recipe to use more. And same with the kale. I would have used more if I had it. I think it could have used a bit more greens to quinoa ratio, but either way, this dish is a real winner and it will be in our meal rotation for sure!

Cook the quinoa in a medium pot to package directions, until tender and liquid is absorbed

In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the chopped onion. Cook for a couple minutes until translucent (don't let burn), and add the garlic grating it straight into the pan. Stir for a minute, not allowing to burn, and add in the broth.

Rinse off the broccoli and kale and add them both to the pan with onions, garlic and broth. Reduce heat slightly and cover. Let cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is tender and kale has shrunk. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add quinoa and veggie mix to a serving bowl and mix together. Garnish with parmesan cheese and eat warm.

Have to admit something, I bought quinoa months ago, and still haven't opened the bag. I've never had it and have been trepidatious to make it in fear Mr.Sweet Butter won't like it. If Matt can go from burers to veggies, Mr.SB can eat quinoa. I have to admit, this is the first recipe that makes it look really appealing. I think I'll try this one.

On a side note, I LOVE the idea of a photo walk. Have you ever blogged about it? I so completely want to do this!! Heading over to your FB page now. Toothless C...and thanks for the recipe.

Hey Carla can you get kale in Auckland? I've been meaning to try it.Lol I had no idea Matt used to be that bad at eating stuff, glad to see you guys are having fun in Vancouver although its weird coming back to Oktobor and not having you guys around.

Hey Kato! You know, I dont remember if I ever saw it there or not. I didnt eat kale back then ;) New World might have it, or definitely farmers markets might have it. There are a few different kinds, so feel free to use whatever one you find. Its a tougher leaf, so steaming it is the perfect way to enjoy it. Hope Oktobor is treating you well. It's weird to think youre back there again, but really excited for you :)

This looks great! I'm glad I'm on my way out to the grocery store!only 1/2 a cup of quinoa doesnt seem like enough though....for 2 people? I'ma small girl but I get hungry! Do you think 1 cup of dry quinoa would be too much?

Haha, I dont blame you ;) I like to eat too! You can certainly make more! We were still a little hungry after, so it might be better to make more. But I would add more kale and broccoli too, just to even out the flavors. Hope that helps!! :) I hope you enjoy

i haven't made this yet but your recipe looks divine! I've included you in a round up of the 25 tastiest kale recipes I could find on the interwebs. It lives here: http://www.creativegreenliving.com/2013/02/25-great-ways-to-eat-kale.html

I must have had a huge bunch of kale because I only used just over half of it, and I had to add more liquid/broth, but it turned out great! Even my picky teenage daughter and my picky middle aged husband liked it. I'll definitely be making this again!

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